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Message: <blockquote data-quote="Campbell" data-source="post: 7638956" data-attributes="member: 16586">Here's my take: Character sheets and game mechanics are representative of the fiction, but they are not the fiction.  They are tools we use to create a consistent compelling fiction. I feel it is a grave mistake to confuse the fiction with its representation because it lowers our overall investment in what is actually going on. Some games (even games I am quite fond of) make it all too easy to do so because they layer on so many abstractions it can be easy to lose sight of the fiction. Vincent Baker would say it's all boxes.I also do not think it is fair to expect one system or subsystem to serve all masters. Exalted 3e has a combat system that is designed around kung fu duels between similarly powerful opponents. It does a swimming job at that, but is not designed to accommodate many less powerful opponents so has a way of grouping lesser enemies into Battle Groups. Masks is a game about teenage superheroes trying to find out who they want to become. The basic moves of the game are written to reflect their lack of maturity, shifting sense of self, and impulsiveness. Blades in the Dark is a game about daring scoundrels trying to make their way up the criminal underworld. The core mechanics make risk taking, vice, and crew advancement a central focus of play. It's not a game for playing it safe.</blockquote>